Anterograde & Retrograde Memory
MCAT Psychology - Chapter 2- Section 3 - Cognition - Memory
Sample MCAT Question - Anterograde & Retrograde Memory
What condition results from the removal of both medial temporal lobes of the brain?
a) Anterograde memory
b) Inability to encode new information to implicit memory
c) Inability to encode new information to explicit memory
d) Retrograde memory
C is correct. As in the case of Henry Molaison, the removal of both medial temporal lobes, which would include the removal of the hippocampus, would negatively affect one’s ability to commit new information to explicit memory (choice C is correct). However, one would still be able to learn through implicit memory (choice B is incorrect). Choice A is incorrect because anterograde memory is the ability to form new long-term memories, the opposite of what would occur after the removal of both medial temporal lobes. Choice is D is incorrect because retrograde memory is the ability to retrieve information that was acquired before an event.
Get 1-on-1 MCAT Tutoring From a Specialist
With MCAT tutoring from MedSchoolCoach, we are committed to help you prepare, excel, and optimize your ideal score on the MCAT exam.
For each student we work with, we learn about their learning style, content knowledge, and goals. We match them with the most suitable tutor and conduct online sessions that make them feel as if they are in the classroom. Each session is recorded, plus with access to whiteboard notes. We focus on high-yield topics if you’re pressed for time. If you have more time or high-score goals, we meticulously cover the entire MCAT syllabus.
Anterograde & Retrograde Memory for the MCAT
Anterograde memory refers to the ability to form new memories and retain information, while retrograde memory pertains to the ability to recall memories and events. These two types of memory are often studied in the context of neurological conditions, such as brain injuries, amnesia, and degenerative disorders. Understanding anterograde and retrograde memory is crucial for the MCAT exam.
Anterograde Memory
Anterograde memory is the ability to form new long-term memories of a given event. For example, if, while you are eating dinner with family, something from the conversation sticks out to you, you may encode that information in your long-term memory. Someone with anterograde amnesia has lost the ability to create new memories, and is unable to transfer new information from short term memory to long term memory. A classic example of anterograde amnesia is the case of Henry Molaison. Molaison had both of his medial temporal lobes removed in an attempt to treat the severe epilepsy he experienced as a child. After the surgery, he was no longer able to commit new information to explicit memory, suffering anterograde amnesia. However, after his surgery, Molaison was still able to recall information that he knew before the surgery and was also able to learn through his implicit memory. An example of learning through implicit memory is that those with anterograde amnesia can still learn how to ride a bike, but they will not be able to encode the memory of an event that occurs after the traumatic event.
Retrograde Memory
Retrograde memory, on the other hand, is the ability to retrieve information that was committed to long term memory. If someone has retrograde amnesia, they are unable to recall information before an event. For example, someone might suffer a brain injury and no longer be able to recall childhood experiences.
Explore More MCAT Masterclass Chapters
Take a closer look at our entire MCAT Masterclass or explore our Biochemistry lessons below.
One-on-One Tutoring
Are you ready to take your MCAT performance to a whole new level? Work with our 99th-percentile MCAT tutors to boost your score by 12 points or more!
See if MCAT Tutoring can help me
Talk to our enrollment team about MCAT Tutoring
MCAT Go Audio Course
Engaging audio learning to take your MCAT learning on the go, any time, any where. You'll be on the way to a higher MCAT score no matter where you are. Listen to over 200+ lessons.
MCAT Practice Exams
Practice makes perfect! Our mock exams coupled with thorough explanations and in-depth analytics help students understand exactly where they stand.
MCAT Prep App
Access hundreds of MCAT videos to help you study and raise your exam score. Augment your learning with expert-created flashcards and a question banks.
